January 16, 2026
…and they’re off. Well, that’s what the first week of session was like. Committee meetings were the big focus. The Governor’s State of the State was also the first week of session, which was unusual. Who knows why she gave her last one early in session. Most likely because she has heard what most legislators have heard – it is going to be a short session because a few in leadership are running for statewide office. The Senate President has said it will not be a shortened session and that we will use the 90 days as defined in the Kansas Constitution (even numbered years can only last 90 days). That is good because there is plenty of work.
Property Taxes have reached a boiling point. The appraisal system is not always accurate, and some local government officials continue to deny that there were property tax increases – when we all know we are paying more. The Senate Tax Committee had hearings on Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) 1616, Cap Assessment-value Protection (CAP) Amendment, to cap your annual assessment value increases to 3% or less with a base year of 2022, and the capped assessment value would transfer with the property when it sells. The CAP Amendment is a constitutional amendment that would help rein in sudden property tax jumps on individual properties.
The Governor was silent on property taxes in her State of the State speech. As you know, it takes a supermajority in each chamber for a constitutional amendment and then a vote of the people. Other legislation takes a simple majority in both chambers and the Governor or a supermajority to override a Governor’s veto. It took a few years to pass income tax cuts, including exempting Social Security from state income tax and a property tax freeze for seniors in need and disabled veterans. I am working diligently with numerous colleagues to achieve property tax relief and to repair a broken system.
Redistricting it appears there are not enough legislators who want to tackle redistricting of U.S. Congressional seats in Kansas. There has been much national attention on the issue, and several states are moving forward on the effort – red and blue states. It is not to be taken lightly, and it appears it will not happen in Kansas.
Waste and Fraud have national attention. Concerns about welfare fraud in Kansas, fueled by taxpayer frustration and high-profile cases like Minnesota, are resulting in much needed increased reporting and investigations. SNAP (food stamps) and TANF (welfare cash assistance) benefit cards have been hacked in Kansas with card readers that steal card numbers and PINs, allowing a clone card to drain the funds. In Kansas, it’s mainly being reported in the KC and Wichita areas.
KSLegislature.gov has bill information, a list of legislators, videos of committee meetings and floor debates, and much more available information. My email address is Caryn.Tyson@Senate.KS.gov or phone number during session is 785.296.6838.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Caryn